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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Pennies from Heaven

By Arthur Johnston & Johnny Burke1936

One of the most recognizable songs of the 1930s, this one was introduced by none other than the premiere vocalist of the era, Bing Crosby. He did so in the musical film of the same. Billie Holday had a hit recording with it the very same year, making it an instant pop standard. It so epitomized the era, that its name was used as the title to a 1978 BBC series and subsequent 1981 movie in which characters mimed popular songs of the 1930s.

Lyrics:

A long time ago, a million years BC,The best things in life were absolutely free.But no one appreciated a sky that was always blue.And no one congratulated a moon that was always new.So it was planned that they would vanish now and then,And you must pay before you get them back again.That's what storms were made for,And you shouldn't be afraid for...

Every time it rains it rainsPennies from heaven.Don't you know each cloud containsPennies from heaven?

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Listen to Martini in the Morning

Jazz News

A tribute to the finest genre of popular music in history, pop's direct link to the classical tradition, and one of our nation's most important contributions to world culture, the Great American Songbook. Each day (more or less), I spotlight a different popular standard. And yes, I'm straight. So is your grandfather. He loves this music, too--just ask him!